In response to community interest, LANA has formed a new Fallon Field Task Force.  This task force will work to improve Fallon Field by organizing neighborhood improvement efforts and by working with the city to address feedback from the community.  We will initially focus on the playground, but we welcome comments on any aspect of the park.

If you have feedback on your experiences at Fallon Field, please leave a comment.  We want to hear what you  like about Fallon Field, and what you’d like to see improved.  If you’d be willing to join us on the task force (you can contribute as much or as little time as you would like), please either mention that in the comments or send us a note through our contact page.  And, of course, feedback is always welcome at our bimonthly meetings – we’ll meet next on Monday, June 11th at 7:00 PM.

Over the next two weeks, the Arnold Arboretum is offering four events at the Weld Hill Research Building.

Weld Hill: Science and Sustainability

Julie Warsowe, Manager of Visitor Education
Friday, October 21, 1:00-2:00pm
or Wednesday, October 26, 4:30-5:30pm.
Location: Weld Hill Reseach Building

Take a guided tour of the state-of-the-art Weld Hill Science and Administration Building. Learn about some of the cutting edge plant research and explore the “green” building and landscape design. Limit 10 people.

Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon’s Army and Other Insect Monstrosities

Amy Stewart, Writer and Gardener
1 Session: Sat Oct 22, 2:00-3:15pm
Location: Weld Hill Research Building

In a follow up to her very successful New York Times bestseller Wicked Plants, Amy Stewart tackles the insects, worms, and spiders that have tormented humankind for centuries. In this darkly comical look at the sinister side of our relationship with the natural world, Stewart has tracked down over 100 of our worst entomological foes—creatures that infest, infect, and generally wreak havoc on human affairs. With wit, style, and exacting research, Stewart has uncovered the most terrifying and titillating stories of bugs gone wild. She will share some of her discoveries in her inimically comedic way. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Fee: $5 member, $15 nonmember

Autumn Colors: A Mystery Revealed

David Lee, Tropical Biologist, Florida International University

1 Session: Tue Oct 25, 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Weld Hill Research Building

Part of the magic of living in New England is the stunning display of autumn foliage. But how, exactly, does the shift from greens to crimsons, yellows, burgundies, and oranges take place? And why are we treated to such a display? David Lee, who has spent his career studying the intricacies of color in plants, will explain some of the biological processes that take place within a deciduous plant come fall and also the signals  to humans and animals that are communicated through plant pigments.

Fee: Free member, $15 nonmember

Wood Decay Fungi Common to Urban Living Trees in the Northeast

Christopher J. Luley, Ph.D.  Urban Forestry LLC

1 Session: Thu Oct 27, 9:00am–4:00pm
Location: Weld Hill Research Building

In this workshop, Chris Luley of Urban Forestry LLC in Rochester, New York will introduce the wood decay fungi common to urban trees, their identifying characteristics and decay pathways, and methods and equipment available to test for decay. He will also present the results of a recent research study on visual assessment, sounding, and Resistograph testing for decay in urban trees. This program will take place in the classroom with some demonstrations in the landscape. Morning coffee is included; please bring your lunch.

Fee: $90 member, $120 nonmember
Offered with the Ecological Landscaping Association

For more information, visit the Arnold Arboretum’s Adult Education page.

The Arnold Arboretum now offers classes at its new Weld Hill Research Building, adjacent to the Longfellow Area.  On Wednesday, August 10, the arboretum will present a free session (registration is required) on the topic of sustainable gardening. 

Iñaki Hormaza, Arnold Arboretum Research Associate and Professor, Mayora Research Station of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research, will be discussing the cherimoya, a potentially sustainable fruit tree originating in the Andes, and his project which unites conservation, research, and production methods. In Central America, the cherimoya is called the Anona and in English speaking countries it is sometimes referred to as the “custard apple” or “sugar apple.”  It should be a wonderful evening linking research to the lives of small scale farmers in Central and South America.

From Genomics to Small Scale Agriculture: Tale of the Cherimoya, an Ancient New Crop

Iñaki Hormaza, Arnold Arboretum Research Associate and Professor, Mayora Research Station of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research

Wed Aug 10, 7:00–8:30pm [Weld Hill, 1300 Centre Street, Boston] Free, registration requested

The cherimoya, a fruit tree originating in the Andes, holds potential as a sustainable crop for the countries of that region and beyond. A wealth of genetic diversity, excellent organoleptic qualities (sensory food appeal), and high nutrition content make this fruit a potential component of Andean food security. Iñaki Hormaza, a visiting plant biologist at the Arboretum, is coordinating a project to capitalize on the species’ potential and will talk about his work that unites conservation, research, and production methods.

Please refer to the arboretum’s online calendar for more events, many of which are offered at Weld Hill.